Lyrics
Here comes that boat floating down the river
Anticipation of a boat approaching on the river.
The south bound channel on the west side
Describing the location of the southbound channel on the west side.
It looks like the captain's pulling over
Observation of the captain pulling over, suggesting a potential stop.
And I'm bound to take a ride
Expresses a desire to take a ride on the boat.
Take a ride
Reiteration of the intention to take a ride.
Well down at the dock I paid my fare
Narration of paying fare at the dock.
I paid only one way not two
Indication of a one-way payment, implying a journey with an uncertain return.
I don't know where but I'll get there
Expresses uncertainty about the destination but a determination to reach it.
And on my way I'll sing this tune
Commitment to singing a tune on the journey.
And when the night falls down on the southern city
Reference to nightfall in the southern city, creating a mood.
And there's nothing left to do but play
Suggests playing as the only option when night falls.
Well opportunity is beckoning to me
Notices an opportunity beckoning, possibly indicating a chance for personal growth.
And I'll make my way back home some day
Expresses a determination to return home eventually.
Don't you know my daddy was a real hard worker
Shares the hardworking nature of the speaker's father.
For us he did all he could do
Acknowledges the father's efforts for the family's well-being.
Worked all day for the white collar man
Describes the father's labor for a white-collar employer.
So he could send us off to school
Highlights the father's sacrifices for the children's education.
But I feel just like cryin
Expresses a sense of sadness or regret.
Because I didn't play by all his rules
Regret for not conforming to the father's rules.
Well opportunity is beckoning to me
Similar to line 23, suggesting another opportunity for the speaker.
And I'll make my way back home some day
Reiteration of the determination to return home someday.
Here comes that boat floating down the river
Repetition of the boat's arrival, emphasizing its significance.
The south bound channel on the west side
Reiteration of the southbound channel on the west side.
It looks like the captain's pulling over
Repetition of the captain pulling over, underlining its importance.
And I'm bound to take a ride
Reaffirmation of the intention to take a ride on the boat.
Take a ride
Reiteration of the desire to take a ride.
And when the night falls down on the southern city
Recalls nightfall in the southern city, repeating the imagery.
And there's nothing left to do but play
Repeats the idea of playing when there's nothing else to do at night.
Well opportunity is beckoning to me
Restates the opportunity beckoning to the speaker.
And I'll make my way back home some day
Reaffirmation of the determination to make the way back home someday.
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